I thought the woman was way out of line. Her grabbing him I understand, but she yanked his hand rather violently, and I also understand his reaction. Her actions were mob oriented, and unacceptable. I did not think he need apologize. SHe was out of line.
Anyone grab me like she did and I would be inclined to do the same as he did.
Watch her in the video before he turns away from her. WHo knows how long she waited, ferverent in her desire to be touched, for whatever reason, even praying for that judging by her behaviour. Not saying she wasn't out of line, she was. I'm saying someone as popular among the faithful as the Pope should likely expect such to some degree. His reaction was immediate, no hesitation, to beat her hands away.
It would have been eminently better to take a second and softly chastise her for rude behaviour, without the violent behaviour on his part. Not just in terms of optics, but in terms of sending a 'message of peace and understanding'.
Instead, he comes off as someone who wants to make nice with Islam, but beats the hands of one of the faithful for wanting to touch him. Seriously bad optics, there.
